Artwork
Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony
Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1524 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Next, check out how engraving works to see how artists like Dürer made these sharp lines.
This is a black-and-white portrait of an older man with a thick white beard and hat. His face is detailed, with deep lines around his eyes and mouth. The background is plain, but his collar and cuffs show some texture.
The text below his face names him as Frederick the Wise, a leader in Saxony. The artist signed it in 1524, and the style looks like it’s from the Renaissance.
Next, check out how engraving works to see how artists like Dürer made these sharp lines.
Overview
This engraving on laid paper, created by Albrecht Dürer in 1524, is a portrait of a prominent historical figure. The work is held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony, identified by the text below his image. The detailed rendering of his face, with deep lines around his eyes and mouth, conveys a sense of age and character.
Technique & Style
The engraving technique used by Dürer allowed for the creation of sharp lines and detailed textures, evident in the subject's collar, cuffs, and facial features. The style is characteristic of the Renaissance period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
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